[Nfbnet-members-list] National Federation of the Blind Celebrates Ratification of Marrakesh Treaty

[Danielsen, Chris]

NEWS BRIEF

National Federation of the Blind Celebrates Ratification of Marrakesh Treaty



Geneva, Switzerland (February 8, 2019): Today, the United States government formalized its ratification of the Marrakesh Treaty by depositing the US instrument of ratification with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). This action begins a ninety-day waiting period, after which the treaty will officially be in force as US policy, throwing open the doors to expanded literacy for the blind of America and the world.



"The National Federation of the Blind seeks the removal of all artificial or unnecessary barriers to access to knowledge by the blind," said Mark Riccobono, President of the National Federation of the Blind. "That is why we championed the Marrakesh Treaty and fought for its signing and ratification by the United States. Today's deposit of the US ratification instrument represents the culmination of that effort, but even more importantly, it represents greater access to the world's literature and knowledge for blind people in America and across the world. We are therefore pleased to celebrate this historic moment with our blind brothers and sisters everywhere."



Read more regarding the Marrakesh Treaty in the following articles:



Marrakesh Express Rolling Home<https://nfb.org/blog/marrakesh-express-rolling-home>

US House of Representatives Passes Marrakesh Treaty Implementation Act<https://nfb.org/about-us/press-room/us-house-representatives-passes-marrakesh-treaty-implementation-act>

United States Senate Greenlights Marrakesh Treaty and Implementing Legislation<https://nfb.org/blog/united-states-senate-greenlights-marrakesh-treaty-and-implementing-legislation>

Senate Committee Votes to Advance Marrakesh Treaty<https://nfb.org/about-us/press-room/senate-committee-votes-advance-marrakesh-treaty>

The National Federation of the Blind Applauds the Introduction of Legislation Implementing the Marrakesh Treaty<https://nfb.org/about-us/press-room/national-federation-blind-applauds-introduction-legislation-implementing>

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About the National Federation of the Blind

The National Federation of the Blind (NFB), headquartered in Baltimore, is the oldest and largest nationwide organization of blind Americans. Founded in 1940, the NFB consists of affiliates, chapters, and divisions in the fifty states, Washington DC, and Puerto Rico. The NFB defends the rights of blind people of all ages and provides information and support to families with blind children, older Americans who are losing vision, and more. We believe in the hopes and dreams of blind people and work together to transform them into reality. Learn more about our many programs and initiatives at www.nfb.org<http://www.nfb.org>.



CONTACT:

Chris Danielsen

Director of Public Relations

National Federation of the Blind

(410) 659-9314, extension 2330

(410) 262-1281 (Cell)

cdanielsen at nfb.org<mailto:cdanielsen at nfb.org>

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